Posts Tagged ‘Living Building Challenge’

Aug

29

CEI Architecture named Western Living Designers of the Year 2013 in the Eco Category

CEI Architecture couldn’t be more pleased to be named Eco Designer of the Year by Western Living Magazine. The achievement comes as part of the publication’s annual Designers of the Year awards, which will be featured in their upcoming September issue.

Along with sustainable design, the awards showcase innovations in fashion, interiors, architecture and industrial design throughout Western Canada, with CEI finding itself in some very impressive company. Fellow award-winners include the non-profit fashion line Obakki, and North Vancouver-based artist, sculptor and furniture designer Brent Comber.

To read more about this year’s award winners, along with an in-depth interview with CEI Principal Nick Bevanda, pick-up the September issue of Western Living magazine or visit them online at westernlivingmagazine.com.

May

7

Centre of Excellence up to the challenge

The Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy Conservation at Okanagan College was selected for the Transformational Design feature in the Spring 2012 issue of Trim Tab magazine, published bythe International Living Future Institute.The Centre of Excellence is targeting the Living Building Challenge, which requires the building design to consider its environmental impact in six areas: site, energy, materials, water, indoor quality and beauty. The overall goal is to create a building with no negative impact on the environment and surrounding ecosystem, and to achieve this goal during design, construction, and ongoing operations throughout the building’s lifecycle. Read the article to find out about the challenges and achievements that were faced while designing and building a Living Building Project.

Jan

26

Jim Pattison recognizes excellence

Jim Pattison joined Premier Christy Clark, MP Dan Albas and 250 guests, students and members of the community last December to announce a pledge of $2.5 million in matching funds to the college. This is the largest private gift ever given to a college in the province of B.C.

Pattison recognizes that the Center of Excellence is a catalyst for the future of sustainable building in B.C. and beyond. “I am a firm believer in education and understand that innovative buildings such as this are the places where we will train and develop a skilled workforce and the leaders of tomorrow,” said Pattison. The building, now named after Mr. Pattison, proudly recognizes the generous gift with a new sign on the west entrance, welcoming students and visitors to the Penticton campus.

CEI Architecture is pleased to see the Centre get the attention it deserves. At 6,780 square metres, the Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence is one of the largest buildings of its type to pursue the rigorous standards of the Living Building Challenge™. It is a living experiment in sustainable innovation, and a testament to the power of integrated design.

Read more about the pledge by Jim Pattison to the Okanagan College here.

Dec

16

Centre of Excellence gets a new name and a grand opening

On December 12, the Okanagan College Centre of Excellence celebrated its grand opening in Penticton, and also revealed its new name: The Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy Conservation. The announcement was made by B.C. Premier Christy Clark at the grand opening celebration.

The new name reflects the generosity of B.C. businessman and community supporter Jim Pattison, who donated $2.5 million to the Okanagan College Foundation and its community fundraising campaign.

The post-secondary facility opened earlier this year, supporting programs and classes in sustainable building tools and techniques for the next generation of building professionals. It was designed to the standards of the Living Building Challenge, the most rigorous sustainability program on the planet, with stringent requirements for energy efficiency, water consumption, air quality, material selection, and more.

The building itself is part of the curriculum, with accessible design features that provide students with a practical, hands on education in made-in-B.C. sustainable design.

“It’s a great day for everybody involved; students, administrators, trades people, and the whole community,” said CEI Architecture’s Tim McLennan. “It’s been such a collaborative effort between so many people that makes this building what it is. I think that it’s going to have an extremely positive, long-term influence on green building everywhere.”

Check out the video above for footage of the opening celebrations, and if you’re in Penticton, check out the building, one of the most innovative sustainable facilities in the world.

Nov

18

Okanagan College in the Globe and Mail

The Okanagan College Centre of Excellence was featured in the Globe and Mail in an article about investing in human capital through post-secondary education and the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP). KIP is up to $2-billion worth of investment in the country’s universities, colleges and teaching hospitals and has contributed to 248 college-based projects since 2009. The Centre of Excellence was one of those projects, receiving over $22.6-million from the program. Read all about it here.

Jun

6

Classes in session at Okanagan College

The Okanagan College Centre of Excellence is open for learning!

Students began their first classes and shops on June 6, 2011. Designed to be one of the most innovative and sustainable post-secondary facilities in the world, the Centre will train the next generation of tradespeople in cutting-edge, sustainable building practices.